Katherine Heigl Hosts “Shelter Me”

May 2, 2012 By Grace Sydney

Actress Katherine Heigl, who will soon share the big screen with Robert De Niro and Diane Keaton in the upcoming comedy The Wedding, recently stepped in front of the camera in her real life role as an animal advocate for the upcoming PBS special Shelter Me.

“As a huge animal lover, I was immediately drawn to this project because it advocates for the homeless pets at our local shelters,” said Katherine Heigl, co-founder of the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation. “It’s important to generate awareness and overcome stigmas about these local facilities as well as promote these amazing animals and how they improve people’s lives.”

Heigl will act as host for the hour-long look at the bond between people and pets, which will focus on the inmates in a women’s prison who give shelter Spots the give of a second chance by training them for life as service dogs; showcase canine compassion with a story of soldiers who are recovering from PTSD thanks to their pawed pals; and introduce viewers to two stray dogs as they make the transition from life on the streets, to a shelter, and ultimately to a forever home.

A touching tribute to the 3 – 4 million dogs and cats who are euthanized each year in US shelters, Shelter Me was created to by filmmaker Steven Latham to make strides in the ongoing effort to lower the staggering statistic.

Sponsored by Ellen DeGeneres’ pet food company Halo, Purely for Pets®, Shelter Me will premiere on PBS stations in May.